Podcast Production

Instructions

Manage the editorial side of podcast production — from episode concepting through post-publication promotion. This skill covers content strategy and storytelling, not audio engineering or feed infrastructure (see podcast-feed-reader-player for technical RSS/player concerns).

Episode Planning

Plan episodes with a structured pipeline:

1. Topic selection — maintain a running topic backlog scored by audience interest, timeliness, guest availability, and alignment with the show’s editorial pillars
2. Format decision — solo commentary, interview, panel, narrative storytelling, or hybrid; match format to topic
3. Research — gather data, background material, and prior coverage of the topic; identify what’s already been said and what angle is fresh
4. Outline — build a segment-by-segment outline with timing estimates before recording
5. Asset preparation — guest briefing docs, question lists, reference clips, sponsor copy

Episode Structure

A well-structured episode keeps listeners through to the end:

Segment	Duration	Purpose
Cold open / teaser	30–60s	Hook with the most compelling moment or question
Intro + theme	15–30s	Brand the show, set expectations
Context setting	2–3 min	Why this topic matters now; what the listener will learn
Main content	15–40 min	Core discussion, interview, or narrative (break into 2–3 segments for longer episodes)
Mid-roll sponsor	60–90s	Integrated ad read (see Sponsorship section)
Key takeaways	2–3 min	Summarize the most actionable insights
CTA + outro	1–2 min	Subscribe, review, share, visit show notes link

Total target length depends on format: 20–30 min for solo/commentary, 30–60 min for interviews, 15–20 min for news/briefing shows.

Guest Research and Preparation

For interview episodes:

• Background research — read/watch the guest’s recent work, interviews, social media, and any books or projects they’re promoting
• Identify unique angles — find questions they haven’t been asked in their last 5 interviews
• Guest briefing document — send the guest a one-page overview: show description, audience profile, episode topic, 3–5 sample questions (not the full list), logistics (recording time, platform, duration)
• Pre-interview call — optional 10–15 minute chat to build rapport, confirm topics, and flag any off-limits areas
• Technical check — confirm the guest’s mic quality, internet stability, and recording environment before the session

Interview Question Development

Build questions in three tiers:

1. Foundation questions — establish context and credibility (who they are, why this topic, what’s their experience)
2. Core questions — the meat of the conversation; open-ended, follow-up-ready, designed to elicit stories and insights rather than yes/no answers
3. Signature questions — unexpected or thought-provoking questions that create memorable moments (e.g., “What’s the worst advice you’ve received in your career?”)

Question-writing principles:

• Start with “how” and “why” more than “what” or “when”
• Prepare 2x the questions you expect to use — let the conversation flow naturally
• Write follow-up prompts for each core question (“Tell me more about…”, “What happened next?”, “Why do you think that is?”)
• Avoid compound questions — one question at a time

Show Notes Writing

Show notes serve three audiences: listeners skimming for key points, search engines indexing the episode, and potential listeners deciding whether to play.

Structure:

1. Episode title — descriptive and keyword-rich (not just “Episode 47”)
2. One-paragraph summary — what the episode covers and why it matters
3. Key timestamps — major topic transitions with clickable timestamps
4. Guest bio — 2–3 sentences with relevant links
5. Resources mentioned — books, tools, websites, studies referenced in the episode
6. Notable quotes — 1–2 pull quotes that capture the episode’s best moments
7. Subscribe/follow links — all platforms where the show is available

Sponsorship Integration

Sponsor reads that sound authentic perform 2–3x better than scripted ad copy:

• Host-read ads outperform pre-produced spots — use the host’s natural voice and phrasing
• Personal experience — whenever possible, the host should use the product and share genuine experience
• Natural transitions — lead into sponsor reads from related content (“Speaking of productivity tools…”)
• Placement options: Pre-roll (before content, lower CPM), mid-roll (during content, highest CPM), post-roll (after content, lowest CPM)
• Disclosure — always identify sponsored content clearly

Distribution and Growth

• Multi-platform presence — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube (video or audiogram), Google Podcasts, and at least one additional platform
• Episode promotion cycle: Teaser clip 1–2 days before release → launch-day post with audiogram → pull-quote graphics during the week → “in case you missed it” reminder at end of week
• SEO — optimize episode titles and show notes for search; transcripts improve discoverability
• Cross-promotion — guest shares with their audience; swap promos with complementary shows
• Consistency — publish on the same day and time every week/every two weeks; consistency builds habit
• Audience engagement — solicit questions and topic suggestions; feature listener feedback in episodes

Podcast SEO

• Include target keywords in episode title, description, and show notes
• Publish full transcripts on the show’s website
• Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names for audio files
• Submit to all major directories and keep listings current
• Encourage ratings and reviews — they influence platform algorithms

Examples

Episode outline: Title, format, estimated duration, 4–6 segments with timing and key points for each, sponsor placement, and CTA script.

Guest prep package: One-page briefing with show overview, audience demographics, episode angle, 5 sample questions, recording logistics, and technical requirements.

Show notes: Episode title, summary paragraph, 6–8 timestamps, guest bio with links, 4–5 resources mentioned, 1–2 pull quotes, and platform subscribe links.